Property Ownership
In Illinois, what is 'adverse possession,' and what is the required time period?
AThe government's right to take property; no time limit
BA legal doctrine allowing a person who uses another's property openly, notoriously, exclusively, continuously, and without permission for 20 years to gain legal title✓ Correct
CA bank's right to foreclose on an abandoned property; 7 years
DA municipality's right to demolish unsafe structures; no time limit
Explanation
Adverse possession allows a person to acquire legal title to land by possessing it openly (visible), notoriously (as an owner would), exclusively (not sharing with the true owner), continuously, and hostilely (without permission) for the statutory period. In Illinois, the adverse possession period is 20 years. If the adverse possessor has paid property taxes under color of title, the period may be reduced to 7 years. A court action (quiet title) is needed to establish formal title.
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